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Utah's gas prices have dropped off a little in the past month, but with a gallon of regular gas still hovering above the $4 mark, some may be looking for ways to save fuel and money. There are dozens of products claiming to do just that, but buyer beware.
The ads can be seen almost everywhere. Whether it's a device you install in your car or a pill you pop in your gas tank, they all promise savings; but if you're not careful, you could end up paying more in the end.
When it comes to gas prices, the complaints are generally the same. Most of us have yet to make significant changes in our driving habits, leaving some longing for a quick fix, and now it seems more and more companies claim to have the answer.
Turn water into fuel, install a chip, boost your octane, get 121 miles per gallon! One salesman actually breathes exhaust to show his product is safe for the environment. But not everyone is convinced. One driver said, "Well, I don't think they work." Another told us, "I just don't want to mess with my engine." And another said, "You can feel barely a little bit more power, but you can usually notice a little bit better gas mileage."
Most of the people we talked to in Salt Lake City have never tried a fuel-saving product or were not impressed with the results.
Francine Giani, with the Utah Department of Commerce, said, "I think people just need to be very, very cautious."
The Utah Department of Commerce investigated a claim against one of these companies and is keeping a close watch on others with poor reputations. "If those kinds of products were out there and worked, I think we would all be using them," Giani said.
When it comes to what actually improves gas mileage, AAA says you should check your tire pressure, lighten the load in your vehicle, consolidate errands and keep a slow, steady pace when driving.
As for the quick fix, AAA spokesperson Rolayne Fairclough says, "At the very least, they might waste their money. At the very most, it could cause some damage to your automobile."
So experts say the bottom line here is do your homework. There are a lot of ideas floating around right now, but few have been proven to really work.
E-mail: wjohnson@ksl.com
